If you are looking for braids, ties or cords for some of your crochet, then how about making your own unique braids which will compliment and enhance your work. Perhaps you are looking for a strap for a bag, or a cord to tie a crocheted skirt, or a braid to sew around a crocheted collar – or simply looking for something to bring a little decoration to your work, in that case a look at this book “200 braids to twist, knot, loop or weave” by Jacqui Carey is very worthwhile. This 256 page, full colour book has recently been published and readily available from local bookstores and through Amazon following this link - 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave.

Within the book, Jacqui Carey has shown how beautiful braids can be made, using a wide variety of materials. Of course braids can be made in a yarn to match your crochet – but Jacqui also explores other materials such as ribbon, cord and even gemstone beads!

The book itself is a spiral bound, hard covered book, which is an excellent format for craft books as it lies flat on the table, and doesn’t sneakily turn a page whilst you are concentrating on your work! It is illustrated with clear, colour photographs throughout, including helpful hand-shots. The book uses imperial and metric measurements making it accessible to all.

The book is extremely comprehensive and is broken down into sections. The book starts with an Introduction, which includes information on materials. The next section, Techniques, gives extensive information about the different techniques used to make the braids. This is extremely detailed and each different technique is broken down into stages and clearly illustrated. The reader is taken through, step by step, each technique and is a useful point should you want to create your own braids.

The second section is where the different braids are showcased and instructions given. The section if further broken down into categories making it easy to find braids using similar techniques. Each braid is illustrated with notes about how it is made. The photographs are excellent quality allowing you to see the different braid types and get an appreciation of the detail involved.

The book ends with a small resource section. Whilst the resource section only includes a handful of suppliers, the materials used to make beautiful braids are widely available.

This book is highly recommended and would make a good addition to any crocheters bookshelf. It is a beautiful book to look at and will inspire a crocheter to try something new to decorate their work.

200 braids to twist, knot, loop or weave
Jacqui Carey
Interweave Press
ISBN 978 1 59668 018 0

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